Prime Minister links success of Paralympic Games to athletes' motivation for the 2028 Olympics

Iranian para-athlete Nasrin Shahih expressed some dissatisfaction with the organization of the fifth Asian Paralympic Games held in Japan, but was pleased to win a bronze medal and secure her place in the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

Shahih took third place in the SH1 women's pistol discipline at 50 meters, scoring 196.3 points, which earned her the bronze award. At the Games, she participated in two competitions: 10-meter air pistol shooting and 50-meter pistol shooting. In addition to reaching the podium, she managed to guarantee her participation in the Los Angeles Paralympics.

Shahih noted that this was her second participation in the Asian Paralympic Games and she was satisfied with her performance. She mentioned that due to flight restrictions, they had to choose a very long route, and the journey to the host city took about 60 hours. Despite such a long and tiring journey negatively affecting athletes' preparation, they managed to achieve a good result.

Furthermore, Shahih voiced her disappointment with the organization of the Games in Nagoya, pointing out that, similar to the previous tournament in Hangzhou, China, the organizers did not provide a village for the athletes. She reported that the host country did not equip a village for the athletes this time, and teams were accommodated in different hotels. The shooting team was based in the city of Toyota, which was about an hour and a half drive from the competition venue, significantly impacting planning, rest, and concentration.

The athlete added that the conditions of the Games in Japan turned out to be significantly worse than expected. 'The organization was much weaker than we anticipated. Athletes faced problems with food and transportation. Nevertheless, I must note that the Japanese people are very kind, patient, hardworking, and disciplined. Although there were delays, they eventually resolved the issues.'

Turning to the sporting level, the Iranian shooter emphasized that the level of competition was particularly high, as 113 athletes from 18 countries participated. Shahih mentioned that she competed in the 10-meter air pistol and 50-meter pistol disciplines. She admitted that she could not win a medal in the 10-meter air pistol shooting, but gave her all effort in the 50-meter pistol competition, which is much more difficult than the air pistol competition.

Her efforts culminated in a bronze medal and, more importantly, a spot in the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Shahih concluded her comments by emphasizing the exceptional significance of securing this spot at the Paralympics, calling it the most important achievement of her campaign at the Asian Paralympic Games.

The coach of the Iranian men's sitting volleyball team, Hadi Rezaei, stated that the team participated in the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, composed of experienced and young athletes.

The Iranian team won the Games championship title for the fifth consecutive time, maintaining an impeccable campaign without any losses or even set defeats.

Commenting on the team's success at both the World Championship and the Asian Para Games, head coach Rezaei emphasized the necessity of integrating fresh talents into the squad.

Rezaei noted: 'After winning the World Championship, we made changes to the team. Five players who were not part of our squad at the World Championship in Hangzhou were included in the team for the Asian Para Games in Nagoya.'

He continued: 'We won on two fronts: we lifted another trophy just two months after becoming world champions, and we did it with a new lineup. This gives us a solid foundation for the future.'

Rezaei also commented on the decision not to include the experienced captain and setter Davoud Alipurian. 'Perhaps many thought the team would struggle without Alipurian. However, we had a young player ready to take on his role, and he showed very good play. We also had an 18-year-old player in the squad who made a significant impact.'

The coach added: 'Sometimes difficulties create great solidarity and team spirit. We experienced this in Nagoya. Perhaps without these challenges, we would not have become champions in such a convincing manner.'

Rezaei acknowledged the huge expectations associated with the national team, explaining that years of success have made maintaining the country's reputation an increasingly difficult task. 'People associate Iranian sitting volleyball with winning championships. This complicates our work, although it is a source of pride. In a competition where many athletes drop out before the finish line, anything other than first place is considered a failure for the Iranian sitting volleyball team.'

The head coach also highlighted Iran's undefeated run in Nagoya, particularly two convincing victories over Kazakhstan—first in the group stage, and then in the final. 'Kazakhstan only finished third at the World Championship two months ago, but we beat them twice in Nagoya, both times 3-0,' Rezaei reported. 'These results demonstrate a significant gap between the two teams. We also have a considerable advantage over other countries, which we are pleased about.'

Summarizing Iran's performance at the Asian Para Games, Rezaei noted that the national teams achieved their goals: the men won gold, and the women won silver.

'We achieved what we aimed for: men's championship and women's silver medal. Now our task is to maintain these achievements.'

Rezaei characterized the women's team's silver medal as an improvement in results and significance compared to the previous silver medal. 'Although the women's team repeated its result from the last tournament, this silver medal was more valuable. Iran increased its lead over the second and third-placed teams while narrowing the gap to China, the champion. The victory over Japan on their home court was also a major achievement.'

Looking ahead, Rezaei stressed the importance of meticulous planning for the women's team ahead of the qualification tournament for the Paralympic Games in July next year.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the opening ceremony of the second Presidential Olympiad. Over 3,500 young athletes from various regions of the country will participate in this event.

The competitions will cover 26 different sports, including both Olympic and Paralympic disciplines. Approximately 1,500 coaches are supporting the participants.

Addressing those present, the head of state congratulated the athletes, coaches, and everyone involved in sports on the start of the competitions. He emphasized that every participant arrived at the Olympiad with hope for success and their own dream.

Mirziyoyev stated: 'Each of you came to this platform with your dream, your goal, and most importantly, with great faith in victory.'

According to Mirziyoyev, a comprehensive system of sports development has been created in the country over the past years. This system covers the path from amateur activities to the professional level, including the selection of talented athletes and preparation for international starts. The President stressed that the main task of this work is to form a generation that is independent, resolute, and healthy.

He added: 'At the heart of this work is our desire to raise children to be healthy, resolute, and independently thinking people.'

Over the last decade, Uzbek athletes have won 5,518 medals at major international tournaments, 1,675 of which are gold. This figure is three times higher than the results achieved in the previous decade. Furthermore, one-third of all awards went to female athletes.

The president separately noted the triumph of the men's national team of Uzbekistan at the World Chess Olympiad, which recently took place in Samarkand. The team won for the second time, adding a new chapter to the history of Uzbek chess.

Mirziyoyev expressed his conviction that future record holders and champions will emerge among the participants of the current Olympiad, who will be able to gain recognition on the world sports stage.